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King's Dark Tidings #2
Reign of Madness
The mysterious, indomitable warrior? Ruthless criminal overlord? The Riel’gesh – mythical demigod? Dedicated friend and protector?
Equipped with skills far beyond those of the outworlders, Rezkin has been suddenly thrust into a foreign world. The young warrior clings his only known purpose as he continues his search for any information about his identity and the reason for his existence. While the hardened warrior scorns both dueling and tournaments, he believes some of the answers he seeks may be found at the King’s Tournament, the greatest dueling championship in all of the kingdoms. As he searches for the elusive Striker Farson, who may be the only person alive who holds the clues, the young warrior and his friends embark on a journey fraught with danger, mystery and intrigue.
Amidst fears of the kingdom’s economic collapse, rumors of an eminent military draft, and the machinations of a mad, tyrannical king, a new revelation threatens to upend all the warrior’s plans.
This is the second book in the ongoing series “King’s Dark Tidings.”
King’s Dark Tidings Series
Book 1: Free the Darkness
Book 2: Reign of Madness
This book is intended for adult readers. It contains graphic violence, creative language, and sexual innuendo. This book does not contain explicit sexual content.
19 hours and 20 minutes
Equipped with skills far beyond those of the outworlders, Rezkin has been suddenly thrust into a foreign world. The young warrior clings his only known purpose as he continues his search for any information about his identity and the reason for his existence. While the hardened warrior scorns both dueling and tournaments, he believes some of the answers he seeks may be found at the King’s Tournament, the greatest dueling championship in all of the kingdoms. As he searches for the elusive Striker Farson, who may be the only person alive who holds the clues, the young warrior and his friends embark on a journey fraught with danger, mystery and intrigue.
Amidst fears of the kingdom’s economic collapse, rumors of an eminent military draft, and the machinations of a mad, tyrannical king, a new revelation threatens to upend all the warrior’s plans.
This is the second book in the ongoing series “King’s Dark Tidings.”
King’s Dark Tidings Series
Book 1: Free the Darkness
Book 2: Reign of Madness
This book is intended for adult readers. It contains graphic violence, creative language, and sexual innuendo. This book does not contain explicit sexual content.
19 hours and 20 minutes
20 pages, Audible Audio
First published January 27, 2016
2444 people are currently reading
4230 people want to read
About the author
Kel Kade
14 books3,500 followersKel Kade lives in Texas and occasionally serves as an adjunct college faculty member, inspiring young minds and introducing them to the fascinating and very real world of geosciences. Thanks to Kade’s enthusiastic readers and the success of the King’s Dark Tidings series, Kade is now able to create universes spanning space and time, develop criminal empires, plot the downfall of tyrannous rulers, and dive into fantastical mysteries full time.
Growing up, Kade lived a military lifestyle of traveling to and living in new places. These experiences with distinctive cultures and geography instilled in Kade a sense of wanderlust and opened a young mind to the knowledge that the Earth is expansive and wild. A deep interest in science, ancient history, cultural anthropology, art, music, languages, and spirituality is evidenced by the diversity and richness of the places and cultures depicted in Kade’s writing.
Growing up, Kade lived a military lifestyle of traveling to and living in new places. These experiences with distinctive cultures and geography instilled in Kade a sense of wanderlust and opened a young mind to the knowledge that the Earth is expansive and wild. A deep interest in science, ancient history, cultural anthropology, art, music, languages, and spirituality is evidenced by the diversity and richness of the places and cultures depicted in Kade’s writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 784 reviews
December 19, 2024
This sequel to the fantastic Free the Darkness did not disappoint at all. It had all the same elements that made the first book such a fast paced and exciting read. These books are just super fun fantasy/adventure!
The last book saw Rezkin adapt to the "Outworld" and meet a host of new people as he sought to learn his purpose in life. This second book had less of the hilarious misunderstanding that I loved in the first instalment but was every bit as good as we got more of Rezkin being Rezkin. Which means being awesome! I loved his growth as a character. He got sucked into a lot of political intrigue but also developed a lot along the way both on a personal level and with regards to the responsibilities that might go with his true purpose.
My favourite bits are almost always Rez's interactions with his friends. Both how he reacts to them and how they react to him! He is one of the easiest characters to root for that I've come across in ages. That said, there is plenty of action and Rez gets to display the mindblowing skills we all love.
Rating: 5 stars. An easy rating to give considering I was totally addicted to this book from start to finish.
Audio Note: Nick Podehl is a fantastic narrator who is a perfect fit for this series.
Reread Update: Just as much fun the second time around. This series is so great!
Reread Update 2: Just as fun the third time around. I really love the first two instalments of this series.
The last book saw Rezkin adapt to the "Outworld" and meet a host of new people as he sought to learn his purpose in life. This second book had less of the hilarious misunderstanding that I loved in the first instalment but was every bit as good as we got more of Rezkin being Rezkin. Which means being awesome! I loved his growth as a character. He got sucked into a lot of political intrigue but also developed a lot along the way both on a personal level and with regards to the responsibilities that might go with his true purpose.
My favourite bits are almost always Rez's interactions with his friends. Both how he reacts to them and how they react to him! He is one of the easiest characters to root for that I've come across in ages. That said, there is plenty of action and Rez gets to display the mindblowing skills we all love.
Rating: 5 stars. An easy rating to give considering I was totally addicted to this book from start to finish.
Audio Note: Nick Podehl is a fantastic narrator who is a perfect fit for this series.
Reread Update: Just as much fun the second time around. This series is so great!
Reread Update 2: Just as fun the third time around. I really love the first two instalments of this series.
February 7, 2017
SO... this is really 2.5 stars in my book. Here is the rundown...
1. Basically Invincible Protagonist that can do anything
2. all the other characters flip flop between disbelief and pandering to his awesomeness
3. Meandering story line, that makes me think the author just wrote the book sans outline or with any plot goals.
4. Didnt hate it
5. Will probably read the 3rd book when it comes out, to see how the plot resolves... but I think I know how it will end.
1. Basically Invincible Protagonist that can do anything
2. all the other characters flip flop between disbelief and pandering to his awesomeness
3. Meandering story line, that makes me think the author just wrote the book sans outline or with any plot goals.
4. Didnt hate it
5. Will probably read the 3rd book when it comes out, to see how the plot resolves... but I think I know how it will end.
June 3, 2019
This book felt like transition book. The vibe of the series is changing from light and fun to a darker and more complex fantasy setting.
March 26, 2018
I don't review much but the fact that this has better reviews than The First Law Trilogy made me throw up in my mouth a little bit so I felt the need to take action.
The first book in the series, "Free the Darkness" was a BAD BOOK but it was SOMETIMES ENTERTAINING. I suspect I was mostly laughing AT it rather than WITH it, but hey, I was laughing alright? In particular the conservations between Tam/Frisha and Rezkin where either side are completely misunderstanding the other but still saying things that make sense in the context are the book's saving grace. For the main plot line however Rezkin is so ridiculously overpowered that there is never the slightest doubt he will overcome the ludicrous challenges he faces, but the action scenes are none-the-less fun to experience in a Marvel superhero movie kinda way.
Queue book 2. Rezkin continues to be RIDICULOUSLY AMAZING AT EVERYTHING EVER! He seduces every women within a 100m radius! Men want to hate him but can only respect him! He collects a motley crew of commoners, nobles, an officer, a battle mage and a healer, and HE HELPS THEM ALL WITH THEIR PROBLEMS! Oh REZKIN! Honestly it was going much the same as book one until the ferry to the tournament. That fucking ferry. I didn't know you could get cabin fever just from READING about people living in cabins. The entertaining-if-predictable action scenes dry up and instead we go round in endless circles of "how much will be revealed about Rezkin TODAY?" Everyone onboard must be LITERALLY FUCKING RETARDED to not put 2 and 2 together when the Stryker continues to refer to Rezkin as "my liege" and then talks about a mysterious "true king" trained in ALL THE SKILLZ. I gave up.
tl;dr. There is not one believable or likable character in this entire series. I hope George R R Martin finishes the series. Valar morghulis.
P.S. I would say something about how Kel Kade's female characters are ABSOLUTELY PATHETIC but that would ignore the fact that ALL THE CHARACTERS APART FROM REZKIN are approximately as pathetic.
The first book in the series, "Free the Darkness" was a BAD BOOK but it was SOMETIMES ENTERTAINING. I suspect I was mostly laughing AT it rather than WITH it, but hey, I was laughing alright? In particular the conservations between Tam/Frisha and Rezkin where either side are completely misunderstanding the other but still saying things that make sense in the context are the book's saving grace. For the main plot line however Rezkin is so ridiculously overpowered that there is never the slightest doubt he will overcome the ludicrous challenges he faces, but the action scenes are none-the-less fun to experience in a Marvel superhero movie kinda way.
Queue book 2. Rezkin continues to be RIDICULOUSLY AMAZING AT EVERYTHING EVER! He seduces every women within a 100m radius! Men want to hate him but can only respect him! He collects a motley crew of commoners, nobles, an officer, a battle mage and a healer, and HE HELPS THEM ALL WITH THEIR PROBLEMS! Oh REZKIN! Honestly it was going much the same as book one until the ferry to the tournament. That fucking ferry. I didn't know you could get cabin fever just from READING about people living in cabins. The entertaining-if-predictable action scenes dry up and instead we go round in endless circles of "how much will be revealed about Rezkin TODAY?" Everyone onboard must be LITERALLY FUCKING RETARDED to not put 2 and 2 together when the Stryker continues to refer to Rezkin as "my liege" and then talks about a mysterious "true king" trained in ALL THE SKILLZ. I gave up.
tl;dr. There is not one believable or likable character in this entire series. I hope George R R Martin finishes the series. Valar morghulis.
P.S. I would say something about how Kel Kade's female characters are ABSOLUTELY PATHETIC but that would ignore the fact that ALL THE CHARACTERS APART FROM REZKIN are approximately as pathetic.
April 10, 2017
"It's better than the first one"
"He isn't as overpowered in the sequel"
Don't believe those lies. This sequel is far worse than the first book in the series. If you didn't enjoy the first one and are contemplating doing this book: Don't.
I somewhat enjoyed some bits of the first one, such as the humour and over-the-top antics the protagonist got up to. This book, however, has none of that. The plot, world, characters and events are all absurdly stupid and frustrating. I don't even feel like wasting my time explaining just how bad it all is since it would mean wasting even more time on this unnecessarily long book.
What I'll do instead is share my theory for what the major twist will be at the end of the series:
This whole story takes place in a former home-schooled guy's head, with him being the protagonist in the book. He writes this story during his first few weeks of starting at a public high school. Most of the interactions will make a lot more sense since it would explain why everyone has the maturity level of 13-year-olds. It would also explain why all the female characters feel fake: the author has never actually spoken to a person of the other sex and writes their interactions like how he thinks they would act if they only knew how awesome he actually is. Finally, this theory would also explain how everything seems to work out perfectly for the protagonist and why everyone is in constant awe at everything he does.
There you go. I just saved you twenty odd hours that you might have spent on reading the last book in this awful series.
"He isn't as overpowered in the sequel"
Don't believe those lies. This sequel is far worse than the first book in the series. If you didn't enjoy the first one and are contemplating doing this book: Don't.
I somewhat enjoyed some bits of the first one, such as the humour and over-the-top antics the protagonist got up to. This book, however, has none of that. The plot, world, characters and events are all absurdly stupid and frustrating. I don't even feel like wasting my time explaining just how bad it all is since it would mean wasting even more time on this unnecessarily long book.
What I'll do instead is share my theory for what the major twist will be at the end of the series:
This whole story takes place in a former home-schooled guy's head, with him being the protagonist in the book. He writes this story during his first few weeks of starting at a public high school. Most of the interactions will make a lot more sense since it would explain why everyone has the maturity level of 13-year-olds. It would also explain why all the female characters feel fake: the author has never actually spoken to a person of the other sex and writes their interactions like how he thinks they would act if they only knew how awesome he actually is. Finally, this theory would also explain how everything seems to work out perfectly for the protagonist and why everyone is in constant awe at everything he does.
There you go. I just saved you twenty odd hours that you might have spent on reading the last book in this awful series.
dnf
October 29, 20222022
LOL
Tried to read this book again but nah.. Just can't. Officially in the DNF pile now.
1st Review
DNF!!
I can't do this. If i have to read anymore inconsequential talk, or about anymore of this absolutely clueless, hormonal, can think only with their vagina women, i might scratch my eyes out. In case you're not getting how much i loathe this book, i'll close with this:
LOL
Tried to read this book again but nah.. Just can't. Officially in the DNF pile now.
1st Review
DNF!!
I can't do this. If i have to read anymore inconsequential talk, or about anymore of this absolutely clueless, hormonal, can think only with their vagina women, i might scratch my eyes out. In case you're not getting how much i loathe this book, i'll close with this:
I find every single character, every single word in this book repugnant.
January 23, 2022
Things that happened in this book:
- Rezkin continued to be overpowered to the point where there was no suspense. He will always be the best, no one can ever beat him, he'll rule the whole world.
- He started smiling, smirking, grinning and sly grinning, did it wayyyyyy too much, especially in the beginning.
- The women proved to be copy pastes of each other, just with different names. They all still fawn over Rezkin as if he's the only man ever, get jealous of each other for no reason and blush/flush as if that's their main purpose in life.
The only exception to this is Yserria. She's a much better match for Rezkin than Frisha and I'm hoping it goes in that direction, but I'm not so sure it will. Because for that to be the case, Frisha would have to be one of the fawners, not the girlfriend.
- Reaylin kept shouting how she's not a healer over and over again. I'd say that was the most annoying thing about this book. It's as if the author is trying to make her unlikeable so Frisha would shine, except she ended up making both of them awful characters. Again, we're team Yserria in this house. Or hell, even team Nanessy.
- Journeying, journeying and even more journeying. And not the fun kind.
Remember that tournament mentioned in the first book? The ending of it will have you believe that the tournament is right around the corner and will surely start as soon as you get a couple of chapters into book two.
What actually happened is that the tournament related things didn't even start until the halfway point had passed, and the duels themselves took even longer to get going.
But did we actually get some kind of resolution/closure? Yeah, kinda. I was afraid that the outcome would be left for book three, luckily it wasn't.
And my suspicions about Rezkin's origins proved to be correct so that was nice.
Despite all of this, I did enjoy Reign of Madness more than Free the Darkness so I'll likely continue the series. I know it's not finished yet so I'll probably be left on a cliffhanger, but I don't feel like quitting now.
- Rezkin continued to be overpowered to the point where there was no suspense. He will always be the best, no one can ever beat him, he'll rule the whole world.
- He started smiling, smirking, grinning and sly grinning, did it wayyyyyy too much, especially in the beginning.
- The women proved to be copy pastes of each other, just with different names. They all still fawn over Rezkin as if he's the only man ever, get jealous of each other for no reason and blush/flush as if that's their main purpose in life.
The only exception to this is Yserria. She's a much better match for Rezkin than Frisha and I'm hoping it goes in that direction, but I'm not so sure it will. Because for that to be the case, Frisha would have to be one of the fawners, not the girlfriend.
- Reaylin kept shouting how she's not a healer over and over again. I'd say that was the most annoying thing about this book. It's as if the author is trying to make her unlikeable so Frisha would shine, except she ended up making both of them awful characters. Again, we're team Yserria in this house. Or hell, even team Nanessy.
- Journeying, journeying and even more journeying. And not the fun kind.
Remember that tournament mentioned in the first book? The ending of it will have you believe that the tournament is right around the corner and will surely start as soon as you get a couple of chapters into book two.
What actually happened is that the tournament related things didn't even start until the halfway point had passed, and the duels themselves took even longer to get going.
But did we actually get some kind of resolution/closure? Yeah, kinda. I was afraid that the outcome would be left for book three, luckily it wasn't.
And my suspicions about Rezkin's origins proved to be correct so that was nice.
Despite all of this, I did enjoy Reign of Madness more than Free the Darkness so I'll likely continue the series. I know it's not finished yet so I'll probably be left on a cliffhanger, but I don't feel like quitting now.
December 9, 2016
After reading the first book in a couple days and absolutely loving every word of it, I quickly grabbed this book and could not put it down, I plowed through the book in a day. The characters are so well done, I find myself rooting and for them, getting mad at them, and at one point Kai had me literally laughing out loud. I hope that part three is here soon I just don't know if I can wait long to see Rezkin, Frisha, Tam, Reaylin, Kai, Wesson, Jimson, and can't wait to see how a lot of the minor characters grow and have a bigger impact on the story... Really interested how we see Reaylin grow as the story continues.
Mr. Kade.... Well done again!!!
Mr. Kade.... Well done again!!!
November 28, 2016
I have read upwards of 2000 books in Sword & Sorcery (S&S) genre and I like to believe I have read them all (if you know what I am saying), from horrible ones to the great ones and then some in between. I have come to appreciate good writing like I appreciate roasted cashews and chilli chicken with my beer.
I like to believe that I have come to recognise the "gems" of the genre like I have come to forgive the errors (grammar and spelling mistakes). Though I realise that it is subjective and you may hate the books that I love.
The first two books of this series by Kel Kade are the ones I am glad to have read. One of criteria for rating the books I have read is the number of pages I end up skipping while I am reading a book. This 'skipping of pages' could be because of meaningless dialogues / conversations / characters that I do not believe add to the story or have been added simply to increase the length of the novel or the author deemed them necessary and the reader i.e. me thought otherwise. I am glad to say that every single page of these first two books held my attention; even made me laugh a number of times while Rezkin made himself aware of the world and people around him and forged relationships.
It is now my second favourite to my most loved current and ongoing series, the first being Terry Mancour's Spellmonger series.
So Kel Kade I am glad that you decided to write these books and that I came across them. I wish you take some inspiration from Spellmonger series and produce a number of books in this series and not just a typical Trilogy.
I hugely recommend this series to anyone who is in to S&S.
I like to believe that I have come to recognise the "gems" of the genre like I have come to forgive the errors (grammar and spelling mistakes). Though I realise that it is subjective and you may hate the books that I love.
The first two books of this series by Kel Kade are the ones I am glad to have read. One of criteria for rating the books I have read is the number of pages I end up skipping while I am reading a book. This 'skipping of pages' could be because of meaningless dialogues / conversations / characters that I do not believe add to the story or have been added simply to increase the length of the novel or the author deemed them necessary and the reader i.e. me thought otherwise. I am glad to say that every single page of these first two books held my attention; even made me laugh a number of times while Rezkin made himself aware of the world and people around him and forged relationships.
It is now my second favourite to my most loved current and ongoing series, the first being Terry Mancour's Spellmonger series.
So Kel Kade I am glad that you decided to write these books and that I came across them. I wish you take some inspiration from Spellmonger series and produce a number of books in this series and not just a typical Trilogy.
I hugely recommend this series to anyone who is in to S&S.
March 23, 2018
4.5⭐️
Everything is perfect and wonderful and violent.
I love that he still is learning about well, communicating with others and the way of higher born live and act. It makes the story relatable and humorous through all the madness and Chaos.
Everything is perfect and wonderful and violent.
I love that he still is learning about well, communicating with others and the way of higher born live and act. It makes the story relatable and humorous through all the madness and Chaos.
December 29, 2016
I would have given the Gary Stu goodness (which I don't often think of as a negative unless it's very poorly done), the action, and the court intrigue a 4 star. The story really is entertaining in the way that sword and sorcery stories are entertaining. But the obliviousness required in most of the characters to move the story forward has been excessive, and the fact that we don't get a strong woman, or even a woman who isn't too stupid to live, until 2/3 of the way through the second book and even she is a tertiary character with little page time, add up to a reduced score. There is just no way to continue to ignore these things.
So, if you can shrug off stupid females who come off like they are all middle and high school idiots, and you don't mind contrived obliviousness to prop the story up, then it's a fun story. I will probably read the third book in the hopes that these gaping plot holes will be filled and the females have been presented as insipid so the author could give them room to grow.
So, if you can shrug off stupid females who come off like they are all middle and high school idiots, and you don't mind contrived obliviousness to prop the story up, then it's a fun story. I will probably read the third book in the hopes that these gaping plot holes will be filled and the females have been presented as insipid so the author could give them room to grow.
November 4, 2016
3.5 stars for book 2 of the Kings Dark Tiding series. There were some incredibly cool parts to this book, but the awkward naivety of the hero, Rezkin, became tiresome. There was no respite in the whiny female characters either. Even the women who could easily be very strong and empowering women were reduced to catty adolescents who can't help but fall all over themselves at Rezkin. Also, how many times do we need to read about the way Rezkin "cocked his head?" Meh....it was a good story, but could do with better editing.
February 20, 2025
Królestwo Obłędu – Królestwo Grafomanii, Seksualizacji i Bezmózgiej Fabularnej Atrofii
Nie wiem, czy Królestwo Obłędu to książka, powieść, czy może raczej chaotyczny zbiór słów rzuconych na papier przez kogośna dopaminowym haju. Ale jedno wiem na pewno – ten twór literackopodobny to jak wypadek samochodowy w zwolnionym tempie: wiesz, że to koszmar, ale nie możesz oderwać wzroku.
Fabuła? A co to fabuła? Bo jeśli wątek „główny bohater jest nieskończenie wspaniały i wszyscy go uwielbiają” ma uchodzić za narracyjną konstrukcję, to gratuluję – właśnie osiągnęliśmy nowy poziom literackiej miernoty. Nasz drogi Rezkin, przepraszam, główny bohater, nie ma żadnych wad (chyba że za wadę uznamy bycie postacią bardziej drewnianą niż meble z Ikei), a każda przeszkoda pada przed nim jak owca przed maszynką do strzyżenia. Konflikty? Nie istnieją, bo przecież on zawsze wie wszystko i wszystko robi najlepiej. Gdzieś w tle przewija się jakiś wątek ale nikogo to nie obchodzi, bo wiadomo, że nasz cudotwórca i tak poradzi sobie lepiej niż ktokolwiek w historii świata.
Bohaterowie poboczni to osobny rodzaj literackiego przestępstwa. Mają mniej osobowości niż karton po mleku, a ich jedyną rolą jest podziwianie głównego bohatera i popadanie w euforię na dźwięk jego imienia. Zwłaszcza postacie kobiece – każda z nich ma mentalność miski ryżu, a ich największym pragnieniem jest albo wpatrywać się w protagonisty z uwielbieniem, albo mdleć na jego widok. Trudno mi powiedzieć, czy autorka kiedykolwiek rozmawiała z żywą kobietą, ale obstawiam, że nie – albo jeśli tak, to rozmowa trwała 30 sekund i zakończyła się dramatyczną ucieczką rozmówczyni. Chyba, że autorka ta reaguje na każdego przystojnego mężczyznę.
Styl? Ach, styl! Gdyby grafomania mogła być sztuką, to Królestwo Obłędu byłoby Mona Lisą. Opisy są tak toporne, że można by nimi wbijać gwoździe, a dialogi brzmią, jakby je napisał chatbot na podstawie taniego harlequina. Każde zdanie jest przepełnione takim patosem, że nawet aktorzy telenowel byliby zażenowani. Autorka zdaje się uważać, że używanie archaicznych zwrotów sprawia, że jej tekst brzmi bardziej epicko – w rzeczywistości sprawia, że wygląda jak średniej jakości generator fantasy z internetu.
Świat przedstawiony? Bieda, nicość, pustka. Podróże bohaterów sprawiają wrażenie, jakby odbywały się w próżni – zero detali, zero klimatu, zero czegokolwiek, co mogłoby sprawić, że świat nabierze życia. Bohaterowie przechodzą z punktu A do punktu B jak w grze RPG napisanej w Wordzie, a ich dialogi przypominają wypracowania gimnazjalisty, który bardzo chce, ale nie bardzo potrafi. Jedyne, co tutaj żyje, to absurdalna ilość wypełniaczy, które mają chyba sprawić, że książka będzie dłuższa. Niestety, dłuższa oznacza bardziej bolesna.
A teraz crème de la crème – seksualizacja. Autorka wykazuje talent w przekształcaniu każdej kobiecej postaci w obiekt westchnień, niemal jakby każda z nich nie miała własnej osobowości, a istniała wyłącznie po to, by podziwiać głównego bohatera lub na niego warczeć. Ich dialogi brzmią jak z taniego fanfika pisanego przez nastolatkę, która nigdy nie rozmawiała z realnym człowiekiem. Każda z nich jest opisana w sposób, który sugeruje, że ich największym atutem są piersi i biodra, a cała ich egzystencja kręci się wokół bycia dodatkiem do protagonisty. To nie są postacie – to manekiny w szacie fantasy.
Podsumowując: Królestwo Obłędu to triumf najgorszych literackich schematów, parodia samej siebie i dowód na to, że ktoś w wydawnictwie musiał stracić zakład. Jeśli szukasz książki, która wywoła u ciebie wewnętrzny krzyk rozpaczy i obudzi w tobie pytanie: „dlaczego ja to sobie robię?”, to proszę bardzo. W przeciwnym razie trzymaj się z daleka, chyba że masz ochotę na literackie samobiczowanie. Tak na rocznice DKK klubu mam zamiar przeczytać całą tą serię (to aktualnego tomu) i nagrać film o niej. Za rok Brett ponieważ w stawie zawsze jest większa ryba.
Ocena końcowa: 1/5, i to tylko dlatego, że nie można dać zera.
Nie wiem, czy Królestwo Obłędu to książka, powieść, czy może raczej chaotyczny zbiór słów rzuconych na papier przez kogośna dopaminowym haju. Ale jedno wiem na pewno – ten twór literackopodobny to jak wypadek samochodowy w zwolnionym tempie: wiesz, że to koszmar, ale nie możesz oderwać wzroku.
Fabuła? A co to fabuła? Bo jeśli wątek „główny bohater jest nieskończenie wspaniały i wszyscy go uwielbiają” ma uchodzić za narracyjną konstrukcję, to gratuluję – właśnie osiągnęliśmy nowy poziom literackiej miernoty. Nasz drogi Rezkin, przepraszam, główny bohater, nie ma żadnych wad (chyba że za wadę uznamy bycie postacią bardziej drewnianą niż meble z Ikei), a każda przeszkoda pada przed nim jak owca przed maszynką do strzyżenia. Konflikty? Nie istnieją, bo przecież on zawsze wie wszystko i wszystko robi najlepiej. Gdzieś w tle przewija się jakiś wątek ale nikogo to nie obchodzi, bo wiadomo, że nasz cudotwórca i tak poradzi sobie lepiej niż ktokolwiek w historii świata.
Bohaterowie poboczni to osobny rodzaj literackiego przestępstwa. Mają mniej osobowości niż karton po mleku, a ich jedyną rolą jest podziwianie głównego bohatera i popadanie w euforię na dźwięk jego imienia. Zwłaszcza postacie kobiece – każda z nich ma mentalność miski ryżu, a ich największym pragnieniem jest albo wpatrywać się w protagonisty z uwielbieniem, albo mdleć na jego widok. Trudno mi powiedzieć, czy autorka kiedykolwiek rozmawiała z żywą kobietą, ale obstawiam, że nie – albo jeśli tak, to rozmowa trwała 30 sekund i zakończyła się dramatyczną ucieczką rozmówczyni. Chyba, że autorka ta reaguje na każdego przystojnego mężczyznę.
Styl? Ach, styl! Gdyby grafomania mogła być sztuką, to Królestwo Obłędu byłoby Mona Lisą. Opisy są tak toporne, że można by nimi wbijać gwoździe, a dialogi brzmią, jakby je napisał chatbot na podstawie taniego harlequina. Każde zdanie jest przepełnione takim patosem, że nawet aktorzy telenowel byliby zażenowani. Autorka zdaje się uważać, że używanie archaicznych zwrotów sprawia, że jej tekst brzmi bardziej epicko – w rzeczywistości sprawia, że wygląda jak średniej jakości generator fantasy z internetu.
Świat przedstawiony? Bieda, nicość, pustka. Podróże bohaterów sprawiają wrażenie, jakby odbywały się w próżni – zero detali, zero klimatu, zero czegokolwiek, co mogłoby sprawić, że świat nabierze życia. Bohaterowie przechodzą z punktu A do punktu B jak w grze RPG napisanej w Wordzie, a ich dialogi przypominają wypracowania gimnazjalisty, który bardzo chce, ale nie bardzo potrafi. Jedyne, co tutaj żyje, to absurdalna ilość wypełniaczy, które mają chyba sprawić, że książka będzie dłuższa. Niestety, dłuższa oznacza bardziej bolesna.
A teraz crème de la crème – seksualizacja. Autorka wykazuje talent w przekształcaniu każdej kobiecej postaci w obiekt westchnień, niemal jakby każda z nich nie miała własnej osobowości, a istniała wyłącznie po to, by podziwiać głównego bohatera lub na niego warczeć. Ich dialogi brzmią jak z taniego fanfika pisanego przez nastolatkę, która nigdy nie rozmawiała z realnym człowiekiem. Każda z nich jest opisana w sposób, który sugeruje, że ich największym atutem są piersi i biodra, a cała ich egzystencja kręci się wokół bycia dodatkiem do protagonisty. To nie są postacie – to manekiny w szacie fantasy.
Podsumowując: Królestwo Obłędu to triumf najgorszych literackich schematów, parodia samej siebie i dowód na to, że ktoś w wydawnictwie musiał stracić zakład. Jeśli szukasz książki, która wywoła u ciebie wewnętrzny krzyk rozpaczy i obudzi w tobie pytanie: „dlaczego ja to sobie robię?”, to proszę bardzo. W przeciwnym razie trzymaj się z daleka, chyba że masz ochotę na literackie samobiczowanie. Tak na rocznice DKK klubu mam zamiar przeczytać całą tą serię (to aktualnego tomu) i nagrać film o niej. Za rok Brett ponieważ w stawie zawsze jest większa ryba.
Ocena końcowa: 1/5, i to tylko dlatego, że nie można dać zera.
March 8, 2016
Where's book 3?
October 29, 2016
Oh man, I need book 3
May 20, 2025
The first wee bit was really slow and I had trouble getting into it. It felt like we just dropped a lot of the major plot lines of the first book. But then at around the 30% mark of the book IT BECAME LITERAL CRACK. I could straight up not put the book down.
So now here I am, mentally exhausted after reading 400 pages of a book without moving at all in between the stint. Using my last energy reserves to write this review. GOOD NIGHT
So now here I am, mentally exhausted after reading 400 pages of a book without moving at all in between the stint. Using my last energy reserves to write this review. GOOD NIGHT
December 1, 2024
3.5 stars
April 23, 2024
OH MY GULAY! 😳
This was fucking epic! This series is bloody exciting and I haven’t felt this about a book for some time now. Just when I think I know what’s going to happen my mind is blown! I love this.
PS. GULAY in Tagalog means Vegetable. As opposed to me saying Oh My God. LOL
This was fucking epic! This series is bloody exciting and I haven’t felt this about a book for some time now. Just when I think I know what’s going to happen my mind is blown! I love this.
PS. GULAY in Tagalog means Vegetable. As opposed to me saying Oh My God. LOL
October 26, 2018
Nope, sorry. Done with the series. I gave it two books and the writing never improved, he said mournfully.
My suspension of disbelief was stretched so far the elastic is gone. Nineteen-year-old hero is a master-everything, has memorized the floorplans of all the major residences and the maps of all the towns, knows current events even though living 19 years in a fortress of solitude, and yet still believes *friends* are assigned by some metaphysical entity. He's a super-swordsman who can't be beat, and except for his literal interpretation of everyday usage, has no handicaps or fatal flaws.
Head-hopping POV with every paragraph. Adverb abuse. A plot that made no sense. Leaps of logic. And, guess what, Our Hero may be royal blood. (That's not a spoiler because anyone who read the dust jacket could see that one coming.)
A fun read for the kids maybe, but far from a polished effort by a student of the craft.
My suspension of disbelief was stretched so far the elastic is gone. Nineteen-year-old hero is a master-everything, has memorized the floorplans of all the major residences and the maps of all the towns, knows current events even though living 19 years in a fortress of solitude, and yet still believes *friends* are assigned by some metaphysical entity. He's a super-swordsman who can't be beat, and except for his literal interpretation of everyday usage, has no handicaps or fatal flaws.
Head-hopping POV with every paragraph. Adverb abuse. A plot that made no sense. Leaps of logic. And, guess what, Our Hero may be royal blood. (That's not a spoiler because anyone who read the dust jacket could see that one coming.)
A fun read for the kids maybe, but far from a polished effort by a student of the craft.
January 27, 2023
Łoooo, no dobra... Pierwszy tom okrutnie mnie rozczarował i nie mogłam zebrać tyłka, żeby wziąć się za drugi. Ale mamy rok 2023 i jeden główny cel - skończyć jak najwięcej zaczętych serii (a przynajmniej skończyć więcej niż zacznę). I mam takie... Z jednej strony wpadłam i przepadłam kompletnie i spędziłam z nią cały dzień. Odłożyłam dosłownie tylko po to, żeby wrócić do domu i od razu włączyłam z powrotem. Język mega przyjemny, momentami jest naprawdę zabawna, mam wrażenie, że jednak lepsza niż pierwszy tom, no i lektor, którego mega lubię. Do tego bohaterowie, za którym jednak tęskniłam i turniej! Czyli kombinacja niemalże idealna.
Tylko no Rezkin. Matko, ja rozumiem miłość do bohatera, ale jaak bardzo idealnym można być? Ile rzeczy może umieć jedna osoba w stopniu MISTRZOWSKIM? (I ile razy można to powtarzać?). Ja gościa bardzo lubię, ale jak jest stale i stale wychwalany to mam ochotę komuś walnąć, bo ileż można tego słuchać ><. Byłam przeszczęśliwa, gdyby się gdzieś potknął, coś mu nie wyszło, uczenie się zajęłoby jakąś ludzką ilośc czasu, bo czasami mam wrażenie, że to jakiś robot jest. No i jednak jest odrobinę za długa. Ale mimo tych niedociągnięć bawiłam się świetnie i na pewno już niedługo sięgnę po kolejny tom!
Tylko no Rezkin. Matko, ja rozumiem miłość do bohatera, ale jaak bardzo idealnym można być? Ile rzeczy może umieć jedna osoba w stopniu MISTRZOWSKIM? (I ile razy można to powtarzać?). Ja gościa bardzo lubię, ale jak jest stale i stale wychwalany to mam ochotę komuś walnąć, bo ileż można tego słuchać ><. Byłam przeszczęśliwa, gdyby się gdzieś potknął, coś mu nie wyszło, uczenie się zajęłoby jakąś ludzką ilośc czasu, bo czasami mam wrażenie, że to jakiś robot jest. No i jednak jest odrobinę za długa. Ale mimo tych niedociągnięć bawiłam się świetnie i na pewno już niedługo sięgnę po kolejny tom!
December 12, 2025
I rate this a 4.25.
Reign of Madness takes everything I enjoyed about the first book and raises the stakes in ways I didn’t expect. Kel Kade’s pacing is so sharp here—there’s never a dull moment, but it still gives you time to sit with the characters and watch them grow. The political tension, the shifting alliances, and the sense that danger is stalking every corner all come together in a way that kept me turning pages.
Rezkin continues to be one of the most fascinating protagonists I’ve read. He’s still trying to understand who he is and what place he’s meant to carve out in the world, and watching that unfold without ever knowing what he’ll do next is half the fun. The supporting characters shine just as much as Rezkin, each bringing depth and purpose, adding layers to the story without overwhelming the narrative.
What I really loved is that the book never loses sight of its heart. The story is full of excitement and wit, yet it’s the emotional journey of trust, identity, and personal purpose that truly resonates.
If you enjoyed Free the Darkness, this is a natural step up. For new readers, this series is perfect for anyone who loves immersive storytelling that’s exciting, clever, and impossible to put down.
Reign of Madness takes everything I enjoyed about the first book and raises the stakes in ways I didn’t expect. Kel Kade’s pacing is so sharp here—there’s never a dull moment, but it still gives you time to sit with the characters and watch them grow. The political tension, the shifting alliances, and the sense that danger is stalking every corner all come together in a way that kept me turning pages.
Rezkin continues to be one of the most fascinating protagonists I’ve read. He’s still trying to understand who he is and what place he’s meant to carve out in the world, and watching that unfold without ever knowing what he’ll do next is half the fun. The supporting characters shine just as much as Rezkin, each bringing depth and purpose, adding layers to the story without overwhelming the narrative.
What I really loved is that the book never loses sight of its heart. The story is full of excitement and wit, yet it’s the emotional journey of trust, identity, and personal purpose that truly resonates.
If you enjoyed Free the Darkness, this is a natural step up. For new readers, this series is perfect for anyone who loves immersive storytelling that’s exciting, clever, and impossible to put down.
March 20, 2025
3,75 / 5
Autorka tworzy naprawdę ciekawe wątki niezłe dialogi i ma ogromną wiedzę na temat takich zagadnień jak konwenanse szlachty, wytwarzanie broni, oporządzanie konia i ogólnie życia w świecie podobny do średniowiecznego. Jest fajnie ujęcie budowania drużyny i tworzenia swojego stronnictwa, intrygi na szczeblu królestwa. Jest też więcej magii.
Jednocześnie robi ogromną KRZYWDĘ GŁÓWEMU BOHATEROWI, czyniąc z niego niedościgniony ideał, dla którego nie ma rzeczy niemożliwych. Mistrz mieczy, mistrz walki, mistrz ekonomii, mistrz handlu, konwencjonalny uzdrowiciel, mistrz trucizn - czekałam tylko aż zacznie grać na jakimś instrumencie i co się okazało? Że potrafi na kilku, ale nie miał do tego serca.
Oczywiście wszystkie kobiety na jego widok niemal sikają po gaciach, a Frisha, która w kontaktach z innymi jest inteligentną dziewczyną, dostaje napadów zazdrości jak ostatnia idiotka.
To by było super fantasy, gdyby autorka pozwoliła Rezowi popełniać błędy i się na nich uczyć, a z jego świty nie robiła chórku piewców jego doskonałości.
Autorka tworzy naprawdę ciekawe wątki niezłe dialogi i ma ogromną wiedzę na temat takich zagadnień jak konwenanse szlachty, wytwarzanie broni, oporządzanie konia i ogólnie życia w świecie podobny do średniowiecznego. Jest fajnie ujęcie budowania drużyny i tworzenia swojego stronnictwa, intrygi na szczeblu królestwa. Jest też więcej magii.
Jednocześnie robi ogromną KRZYWDĘ GŁÓWEMU BOHATEROWI, czyniąc z niego niedościgniony ideał, dla którego nie ma rzeczy niemożliwych. Mistrz mieczy, mistrz walki, mistrz ekonomii, mistrz handlu, konwencjonalny uzdrowiciel, mistrz trucizn - czekałam tylko aż zacznie grać na jakimś instrumencie i co się okazało? Że potrafi na kilku, ale nie miał do tego serca.
Oczywiście wszystkie kobiety na jego widok niemal sikają po gaciach, a Frisha, która w kontaktach z innymi jest inteligentną dziewczyną, dostaje napadów zazdrości jak ostatnia idiotka.
To by było super fantasy, gdyby autorka pozwoliła Rezowi popełniać błędy i się na nich uczyć, a z jego świty nie robiła chórku piewców jego doskonałości.
February 1, 2016
I couldn't help but grinning through the whole book, I was like,"Christmas has already happened, but I'm still getting awesome presents!" It was also quite humorous how I was thinking how I was going to write review about how great the book was, and I hadn't even read more than twenty pages.
Anyhow, I would just like to say that it's a real great way to start a prologue in the way it was written. Starting a book with poetry might seem strange. Howbeit, it's really brilliant in that it reveals so much about the protagonist of the story, yet done so in such a simple manner. If poetry ever fit in a book, it was this.
There's not much to really say about this book, I will say about a few words, but ultimately, the book was fantastic. Despite that, the next words I kinda of hesitate though, the book had action, and was still very good, but the book decidedly had less action than the first book. However, that is only if you observe very closely most of the time you won't even know. There was quite a lot of dialogue, but I actually really enjoyed the talking. In many ways, this book felt that not much happened, but a lot did happen. Probably the best parts of this book was the beginning and the end. Having said that, the book was all good.
Also, when it came to revealing some facts, I felt that the author did a good job of writing how and who Rezkin trusted. Another nice way of doing things was how Rezkin's learning about life is still somewhat stunted. He seems to be very normal, yet he has some parts missing about what life is about. Even though that is so, I think it's great that the author does not treat him like a country pumpkin who knows nothing. There is a simplicity to Rezkin's character in that he doesn't still understand what friends about, yet he is able to deal with Dukes and Duchesses. Lastly, great ending, very fitting. And that is probably all that needs to be said.
Anyhow, I would just like to say that it's a real great way to start a prologue in the way it was written. Starting a book with poetry might seem strange. Howbeit, it's really brilliant in that it reveals so much about the protagonist of the story, yet done so in such a simple manner. If poetry ever fit in a book, it was this.
There's not much to really say about this book, I will say about a few words, but ultimately, the book was fantastic. Despite that, the next words I kinda of hesitate though, the book had action, and was still very good, but the book decidedly had less action than the first book. However, that is only if you observe very closely most of the time you won't even know. There was quite a lot of dialogue, but I actually really enjoyed the talking. In many ways, this book felt that not much happened, but a lot did happen. Probably the best parts of this book was the beginning and the end. Having said that, the book was all good.
Also, when it came to revealing some facts, I felt that the author did a good job of writing how and who Rezkin trusted. Another nice way of doing things was how Rezkin's learning about life is still somewhat stunted. He seems to be very normal, yet he has some parts missing about what life is about. Even though that is so, I think it's great that the author does not treat him like a country pumpkin who knows nothing. There is a simplicity to Rezkin's character in that he doesn't still understand what friends about, yet he is able to deal with Dukes and Duchesses. Lastly, great ending, very fitting. And that is probably all that needs to be said.
January 24, 2018
This series. THIS SERIES. Rezkin sets the bar so high ... it's going to be hard for another character to come close for a while. Kudos to author Kel Kade, and audiobook narrator Nick Podehl can read me the phone book just any ol' time he cares to do so.
May 26, 2023
Drugi tom historii Rezkina trafił w moje gusta.
Autorka ma wybitną umiejętność powtarzania tego samego żartu po stokroć sprawiając, że on wciąż jest śmieszny. Podziwiam i gorąco polecam!
Lekka fantastyka, idealna jako comfort read.
Autorka ma wybitną umiejętność powtarzania tego samego żartu po stokroć sprawiając, że on wciąż jest śmieszny. Podziwiam i gorąco polecam!
Lekka fantastyka, idealna jako comfort read.
December 21, 2021
Kilka miesięcy temu odbyło się moje pierwsze spotkanie z Rezkinem, głównym bohaterem serii „Kroniki mroku”. Przepełniły mnie wtedy bardzo mieszane uczucia. Zawsze ogromną uwagę zwracam na bohaterów książek i jak Rezkinowi charakterności odebrać nie można, za to kobiety, które spotyka na swojej drodze są krótko mówiąc irytujący i płaskie. W tym tomie zaobserwowałam postęp, Rezkin stał się jeszcze bardziej zadziorny, momentami nawet i przerażający w swoich postępowaniach i znieczulicy, kobiety były całkiem znośne, lecz nadal brakuje mi w nich pazura. Atmosfera w tej serii zmienia się z zabawnej i lekkiej na mroczną i bardziej złożoną.
„Kroniki mroku” to swego rodzaju ulepszenie pierwszego tomu „Powiernika mieczy”. Świat jest bardziej rozwinięty, potężniejszy, nowe postacie dodają świeżego tchnienia w fabułę, a historia Rezkina jest bardziej klarowna, a nowe fakty na temat jego przeszłości bardzo zaskoczyły!
W poprzednim tomie byliśmy świadkami zaaklimatyzowania się Rezkina w normalnym świecie. Przez lata był szkolony na wojownika i odcięty od świata, więc wszystko było dla niego nowe. Nie jest on zdolny do okazywania wielu uczuć, nie wie jak reagować na różne sytuacja, co zwykłym ludziom przychodzi z łatwością i naturalnością. Teraz jego postać rozwinęła się pod względem osobistym. Został on wciągnięty w relacje, które kiedyś dla niego nie istniały i nie rozumiał ich. W tym wszystkim ma on jeden cel, do którego dąży bez względu na wszystko.
„Kroniki mroku” to swego rodzaju ulepszenie pierwszego tomu „Powiernika mieczy”. Świat jest bardziej rozwinięty, potężniejszy, nowe postacie dodają świeżego tchnienia w fabułę, a historia Rezkina jest bardziej klarowna, a nowe fakty na temat jego przeszłości bardzo zaskoczyły!
W poprzednim tomie byliśmy świadkami zaaklimatyzowania się Rezkina w normalnym świecie. Przez lata był szkolony na wojownika i odcięty od świata, więc wszystko było dla niego nowe. Nie jest on zdolny do okazywania wielu uczuć, nie wie jak reagować na różne sytuacja, co zwykłym ludziom przychodzi z łatwością i naturalnością. Teraz jego postać rozwinęła się pod względem osobistym. Został on wciągnięty w relacje, które kiedyś dla niego nie istniały i nie rozumiał ich. W tym wszystkim ma on jeden cel, do którego dąży bez względu na wszystko.
January 30, 2017
Not really as good as the last one and not as funny. The main protagonist keeps adding to his entourage and they almost all have either special hidden powers and/or are among the most powerful within their class.
The story and main plot progresses at a decent tempo and the author tries to include all the hangaround arcs in a fine way.
I will probably continue reading the series when the next book is written.
The story and main plot progresses at a decent tempo and the author tries to include all the hangaround arcs in a fine way.
I will probably continue reading the series when the next book is written.
April 20, 2018
4.5 stars
Better than the first installment. Started off with the same issues as the first, but the only one issue that bothered me was girls fawning over Rez.
The story quickly moved on to more action and many questions answered. Solid plot development. Looking forward to starting book 3.
Better than the first installment. Started off with the same issues as the first, but the only one issue that bothered me was girls fawning over Rez.
The story quickly moved on to more action and many questions answered. Solid plot development. Looking forward to starting book 3.
July 27, 2025
leuk, op een andere manier dan deel 1. vol met cliches en Mary Sue momenten. maar een cliche maakt niet uit als het verhaal goed geschreven is ja toch?
October 21, 2020
Teenage wish fulfilment fantasy with a boringly overpowered Gary Stu MC who can't do no wrong.
Flat side characters that only exist to admire him, atrocious romance plot with awful female characters (didn't help that they were all narrated in all lumpy space princesses voice), and my pet peeve of heterosexist non existent LGBT representation (which is even more remarkable considering that our MC is so perfect, not even one dude falls for him?)
Super amateurish mistakes like head hopping POV typical for many low quality self published works.
Places, towns, landscapes, nature, sights and sounds, music, there is absolutely nothing adding any color to the lands they travel through. It's like the group wanders through a grey fog that is impenetrable 5 meters from our MC. Just a vaguely generic old timey western fantasy medieval world.
Story wise there is no tension, no challenge, no arc. It is flat and meandering steam of consciousness daydream fantasy. No care was taken to craft the storyline.
In a hero's journey like this attempts to be you expect the hero to have a clear goal, he wants to achieve something, he has a problem to overcome. I don't know what that is here, neither does our MC, he doesn't know who he is. He goes off to a tournament on a whim. He wants to support his girlfriend. Nothing here keeps you engaged and hooked, there is no motivation the reader can identify with. No adversity that you want him to succeed against. He just goes from A to B and Gary Stues his way through every problem.
I'd expect to see the hero achieve his goal, overcome his adversity, experience apparent success only to notice it was a mirage, or see that revenge doesn't fulfil, or encounter his true enemy behind the curtain and be struck down, or be separated from his friends, get captured and beaten, loose all hope and experience his lowest point...
From here he can climb up again, he will find his true strength, overcome his ego, weakness, pride and can finally see what it truly it means to be a hero, save his loved ones and himself. Or something like this. You know, an arc.
That is just not possible with a Gary Stu character.
He can't experience that because he's too perfect. He can't face true adversity, I can't ever fear for him, stay on the edge of my seat.
One conflict in the book is with a friend learning more about him and becoming appalled by his callous disregard for human life, killing hundreds of people just because someone ordered him to. He distances himself but gets brought back in line by the girlfriend character with an impassioned speech in favour of the death penalty. The chastened friend admits his error, he just could not see that everything Gary Stu does is by definition good and perfect.
The problem is that really truly bad books like this getting absurdly rave reviews and good sales encourages talentless writers to churn out more of that kind of wank, sucking out the oxygen from actually good authors with talented editors who take care and pride in crafting a story with actual characters and story arcs.
Flat side characters that only exist to admire him, atrocious romance plot with awful female characters (didn't help that they were all narrated in all lumpy space princesses voice), and my pet peeve of heterosexist non existent LGBT representation (which is even more remarkable considering that our MC is so perfect, not even one dude falls for him?)
Super amateurish mistakes like head hopping POV typical for many low quality self published works.
Places, towns, landscapes, nature, sights and sounds, music, there is absolutely nothing adding any color to the lands they travel through. It's like the group wanders through a grey fog that is impenetrable 5 meters from our MC. Just a vaguely generic old timey western fantasy medieval world.
Story wise there is no tension, no challenge, no arc. It is flat and meandering steam of consciousness daydream fantasy. No care was taken to craft the storyline.
In a hero's journey like this attempts to be you expect the hero to have a clear goal, he wants to achieve something, he has a problem to overcome. I don't know what that is here, neither does our MC, he doesn't know who he is. He goes off to a tournament on a whim. He wants to support his girlfriend. Nothing here keeps you engaged and hooked, there is no motivation the reader can identify with. No adversity that you want him to succeed against. He just goes from A to B and Gary Stues his way through every problem.
I'd expect to see the hero achieve his goal, overcome his adversity, experience apparent success only to notice it was a mirage, or see that revenge doesn't fulfil, or encounter his true enemy behind the curtain and be struck down, or be separated from his friends, get captured and beaten, loose all hope and experience his lowest point...
From here he can climb up again, he will find his true strength, overcome his ego, weakness, pride and can finally see what it truly it means to be a hero, save his loved ones and himself. Or something like this. You know, an arc.
That is just not possible with a Gary Stu character.
He can't experience that because he's too perfect. He can't face true adversity, I can't ever fear for him, stay on the edge of my seat.
One conflict in the book is with a friend learning more about him and becoming appalled by his callous disregard for human life, killing hundreds of people just because someone ordered him to. He distances himself but gets brought back in line by the girlfriend character with an impassioned speech in favour of the death penalty. The chastened friend admits his error, he just could not see that everything Gary Stu does is by definition good and perfect.
The problem is that really truly bad books like this getting absurdly rave reviews and good sales encourages talentless writers to churn out more of that kind of wank, sucking out the oxygen from actually good authors with talented editors who take care and pride in crafting a story with actual characters and story arcs.
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